HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING BAND FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING (2023)

THE BASICS--

A vintage engagement ring can be a stunning representation of your relationship, but it can also be a challenge to match a vintage ring with just the right wedding band. Knowing what to look for and how to match styles can help you choose the best wedding band for a vintage engagement ring.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• The challenges of engagement rings?
• Matching a vintage ring and wedding band
• Metal type
• Gemstone
• Curves and nested bands
• Era
• The easiest wedding band
• Do you need a wedding band at all?

THE CHALLENGES OF ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Engagement rings can be a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, but a vintage ring especially can present a unique challenge if you’re trying to match a wedding band for a unified bridal set. Many vintage rings have incomplete histories, and it may be impossible to determine the ring’s manufacturer, designer, or original jeweler.

Fortunately, a competent jeweler should be able to thoroughly examine any vintage engagement ring to determine not only its overall design and stone quality, but also the type of metal or metals in the ring’s construction, how aging has changed the ring’s patina, and whether the vintage ring’s condition is strong enough to be manipulated to be matched to a similar wedding band. While it can be challenging to coordinate a wedding band with a vintage engagement ring, it is not impossible to find wedding bands that can create a unified, lovely look.

MATCHING A VINTAGE RING AND WEDDING BAND

There are several characteristics to note when choosing a wedding band to match a vintage engagement ring. The more traits that can be seamlessly coordinated, the better the two rings will look when paired together.

• METAL TYPE

It is critical to match the metal type and quality between the two rings, or it will be very obvious that they are not a coordinated set. Both the metal type and carat grade (if gold) should match, and if possible, the overall condition of the metal’s patina and wear should be similar as well.

• GEMSTONE

If the wedding band has diamonds or other gemstones, they should match the shape and overall cut, clarity, and color quality of the engagement ring’s stones for the best coordination. A good way to ensure a match is to take several small stones from the engagement ring and swap them into the wedding band, and vice versa.

• CURVES AND NESTED BANDS

Depending on its style, a vintage engagement ring may have curves along its edge. Matching those curves is essential for a coordinated set, but that may not always be possible. Choose a wedding band with as close to a similar curve as possible, and consider soldering the rings together so they do not separate when worn.

• ERA

The best wedding band for an engagement ring will be from the same inspirational or design era to ensure coordinating details and similar attention to detail. Whether the engagement ring is an Art Deco, Victorian, Edwardian, or any other design, the wedding band should be from the same general period.

THE EASIEST WEDDING BAND

The simplest way to match a wedding band to a vintage engagement ring may be to not try and match the engagement ring’s intricate details at all. Instead, focus on matching the rings’ metals and shape, and choose a plain, understated wedding band rather than a more elaborate design. This will allow the engagement ring to remain the centerpiece of the set, and will ensure a coordinated look rather than a close-but-doesn’t-quite-match wedding band. The wedding band might have simple detailing, such as a milgrain edge or some inset stones, but avoid any more elaborate designs so there is no undesirable contrast where coordination is desired.

DO YOU NEED A WEDDING BAND AT ALL?

Another option for couples who share a vintage engagement ring is to forgo a wedding band altogether. The engagement ring could be updated for the wedding ceremony with a thorough cleaning, necessary repairs, or even replacing a few stones for extra sparkle and brilliance. The ring could also be engraved for a private, intimate meaning – the wedding date, the couple’s initials, or a romantic sentiment can be a lovely engraving hidden in the ring but still signifying the wedding in addition to the engagement. Because so many vintage engagement rings are stunningly beautiful, there isn’t any need to augment the ring with an additional piece of jewelry.

Alternatively, couples who do want to share wedding bands in addition to the engagement ring could wear the rings separately, rather than adjacent to one another. After the wedding, the engagement ring could be moved to the right hand, while the wedding band is traditionally worn on the left hand. With the rings on different fingers, there is no need to seek a perfect match between ring styles, and couples could embrace a wider variety of styles to represent their union.

Whatever you decide, whether you want to match a vintage engagement ring, opt for a plain wedding band to coordinate, or choose a different wedding ring design to be worn separately, the best wedding band for any engagement ring is one you love, and that represents the love you share as you start your happily ever after.

VINTAGE WEDDING BANDS FOR EVERYONE:

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING BAND:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of vintage wedding bands today.

SUZANNE SACHS

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